Flash Report #1 - December Winter Weather System

Friday, December 23, 2022 | 04:50pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A winter weather system is currently impacting the state with extreme cold temperatures. The greatest threat with this storm system is dangerous wind chills and energy impacts.
  • The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed one storm-related fatality.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center is activated, and State of Tennessee personnel are supporting response efforts and resource requests.

CURRENT SITUATION

A winter weather system traveled through the state Thursday night bringing dangerous cold temperatures to Tennessee.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 3 – State of Emergency with Emergency Service Coordinators from many State of Tennessee departments supporting the ongoing situation. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) staff will assist local officials with any needs or resource requests,

Extremely cold temperatures across the region have created unprecedented demands on the power system. Businesses and the public have been asked to reduce electric power use as much as possible without sacrificing safety. TVA and local power companies proactively addressed strain on the grid by temporarily reducing power supplies to certain local areas, which resulted in brief power outages to homes and businesses on a rolling basis.

Temperatures are not expected to reach above freezing until Monday afternoon.

WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS

  • The Tennessee Dept. of Health has confirmed one, storm-related fatality.
  • Power outages as of 2:30 p.m. totaled 82,162 statewide.
  • Several warming centers have opened across the state. For specific locations and information, please contact your local emergency management agency.

RESPONSE ACTIONS

  • TEMA’s West, Middle, East, and Southeast Regional Coordination Centers are operational to respond to resource requests from local jurisdictions.
  • The Tennessee Department of Health is in contact with health systems to support any winter weather impacts.
  • The Tennessee Dept. of Human Services and American Red Cross are in contact with local officials to support sheltering and warming center needs.
  • Tennessee Dept. of Transportation and Tennessee Highway Patrol are supporting local communities with winter weather impacts.
  • TEMA will remain in contact with local emergency managers to ensure there are no unmet needs.

KEY MESSAGES

  • Monitor local news for updates on weather forecasts.
  • Limit time outdoors when possible. Extreme cold temperatures are dangerous and can result in hypothermia or frostbite.
  • Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees or lower to reduce energy consumption.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TONIGHT

  • Memphis: Clear skies with a low of 11. Winds at 10 to 20 mph.
  • Nashville: Partly cloudy with a low of 9. Winds at 10 to 20 mph.
  • Knoxville: Partly cloudy with a low of 7. Winds at 10 to 20 mph.
  • Chattanooga: Cloudy with a low of 9. Winds at 10 to 15 mph.

###